The Luxury Travel Guide to Niue 💎 [2023]

(c) niuepocketguide.com

How to Get to Niue

Limited flights, cruises and sailing to Niue on your own yacht are about the only ways to get to this remote island, making for an all-exclusive ambience. See our full list of transport options in the 11 Ways to Get to (& Around) Niue. Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown on how to get to Niue…

Flights to Niue

Flights arrive at Hanan Airport, Niue’s international airport, weekly with Air New Zealand, departing from Auckland. Air New Zealand offers business class seats, which include no-neighbour guarantees, as well as complimentary food and drink. Find out more in Which Airlines Fly to Niue? It’s also worth mentioning the unusual airport departure process for your return flight, which you can find out more about in our guide, Leaving Niue: The Niue Airport Departure Process.

Cruises to Niue

Niue receives a small number of cruises departing from Auckland (New Zealand), Sydney (Australia), Papatee (Tahiti) and Lautoka (Fiji). Cruises port at Alofi where cruise ship passengers get a whole day to explore the island. Find out more in The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Niue.

Sailing to Niue

Visiting yachts to Niue must stop at Alofi Bay and call Niue Radio on VHF Channel 16 in order to arrange customs clearance. Follow the instructions given. Then radio the Niue Yacht Club on VHF Channel 10 for mooring allocation and advice for mooring. Niue has just 17 moorings available. Learn more about sailing to Niue in The Guide to Sailing to Niue.

A Note on Customs Declarations

Niue has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Niue has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Niue so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on How to Get to Niue for even more tips on making your way to the island.

© NiuePocketGuide.com

The Best Time to Visit Niue

Niue is a tropical island with warm temperatures experienced throughout the year. It has only two distinct seasons, the hot and humid wet season and the drier and cooler dry season. Learn more in What is the Weather Like in Niue?

Wet Season (November to April)

The wet season, also known as summer, is Niue’s most hot and humid season with temperatures typically 22-29°C (72-84°F). Rain tends to be more frequent than the dry season with a monthly average of 156-300mm (6.1-11.8″) and there is a small risk of cyclones affecting the country. This season is best for fishing particular species like yellowfin tuna.

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season, also called winter, is a drier and cooler season with temperatures typically around 21-27°C (70-81°F). The average monthly rainfall is 90-160mm (3.5-6.3″). This season is also best for whale swimming and fishing for particular species like wahoo and mahimahi.

So when is the best time to travel to Niue? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Niue, which dives deeper into the subject.

© NiuePocketGuide.com

Niue Packing List

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Niue is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for exploring Niues’s villages. A packing list for Niue might look a little something like this:

• Shorts/skirts/dresses
• Dresses/skirts below the knee to use during village visits or church services
• Singlets/T-Shirts
• Light shirts/T-shirts to cover the shoulders to use during village visits or church services
• Sarong (paleu) to cover swimwear after swimming
• Light sleepwear
• Light jacket/cardigan/pashmina for cooler evenings
• Underwear
• Bikini/one-piece/boardshorts
• Rash vest for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Light cotton shirt to cover arms for sun protection
• Light rain jacket
• Walking shoes/sandals
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Reef shoes

And that’s just the clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out The Complete Packing List for Niue.

Health Products

Tap water is Ok to drink at certain accommodations on the island, but not everywhere. The island also experiences high UV levels and mosquitos, so packing products for your health is recommended. Natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are advised to protect you and Niue’s fragile ecosystem. Instead of buying bottled water, use reusable purification bottles for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Niue.

Currency

The currency of Niue is the New Zealand Dollar. Cash is the most widely accepted payment method with some outlets accepting MasterCard, Visa and New Zealand debit cards. There is no ATM on the island, but you can take money out at selected outlets. See What is the Best Way to Pay in Niue? for more information.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Niue?

To enter Niue, you need a passport that is valid for up to three months after your arrival date. A free Visitor Permit is granted upon entry if you are from a visa-waiver country. Otherwise, an Entry Permit is required, as explained in Do You Need a Visa to Visit Niue?

© Niue Tourism

How Long to Spend in Niue

Niue might make for an idyllic tropical getaway to simply relax for a few days  – and that’s fine; we all need to R&R from time to time. Most travellers, however, are here to explore one of the most unique islands in the South Pacific along with its natural attractions and marine experiences. With that in mind, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes…

4 Days / A Long Weekend in Niue

[Update: Check Which Airlines Fly to Niue? for the latest flight schedule to see if this itinerary is compatible with current flights]. Over a long weekend, you will have time to do some sightseeing on both coasts of the island, but not much time for activities and tours with many being closed on a Sunday. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 3 Days and How to Plan a Luxury Weekend in Niue for suggestions.

5 Days in Niue

[Update: Check Which Airlines Fly to Niue? for the latest flight schedule to see if this itinerary is compatible with current flights]. For five days, you can explore both coasts of the island, as well as fit in one or two tours. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 5 Days and How to Plan a 5-Day Luxury Vacation in Niue for ideas.

7 Days/ One Week in Niue

One week in Niue gives you time to visit all of the major highlights along the coast, as well as do some of your bucket list activities. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 7 Days and How to Plan a One-Week Luxury Vacation in Niue for recommended trip ideas.

14 Days / Two Weeks in Niue

This amount of time in Niue allows you to enjoy all of Niue’s coastal attractions, fit in the activities and tours you’ve dreamed of, as well as time to relax. See Niue Luxury Itinerary: 14 Days and How to Plan a Two-Week Luxury Vacation in Niue for itinerary suggestions.

© NiuePocketGuide.com

How to Travel Around Niue

Niue might be a small island that should be easy to explore but there are limited transport options. While hiring a car or an e-bike is recommended to make the most of the island, we’ll still give you all of your transport options:

Car Rentals

With no public transport, it’s highly recommended that you hire a car, not only to explore Niue to its fullest but to also enjoy an independent holiday experience. A Niue Driver’s License is required to drive in Niue, which you can learn more about in The Guide to Car Hire in Niue.

Airport Transfers

Some accommodations on the island offer airport transfers free of charge at the beginning and end of your trip. Find out more about transfers in the Airport Transfer Options in Niue.

Taxi

There is one taxi on the island, only available by booking over the phone. Find out more in The Guide to Taxis in Niue.

Bicycle and E-Bike Rental

Some accommodations and car rental companies hire bicycles and e-bikes to explore some of the island and bike trails. Note that the island is too big to typically enjoy cycling around. Find out more in The Guide to Mountain Biking in Niue.

Motorcycle Rental

Motorcycle rental is extremely limited in Niue, perhaps due to the rough ride with the roads’ potholes. Nevertheless, get wised up to the ways of the motorcycle in The Guide to Renting a Motorbike in Niue.

Guided Tours

Niue has a very limited selection of guided tours that include transport around the island. Nevertheless, guided tours are an option to see the coastal attractions with transport included. Find out more in The Best Sightseeing Tours in Niue.

For more ways to get around, as well as more transport advice, head over to our Niue Transport Guide: 11 Ways to Get Around Niue.

© NiuePocketGuide.com

Luxury Accommodation in Niue

Niue keeps its accommodation options small and intimate. There is only one resort on the island, while the rest of Niue’s accommodations come in the form of boutique cottage complexes/motels, holiday homes and guesthouses. Don’t expect five-star luxury, but modern three-to-four-star stays are available.

We go through almost all of Niue’s accommodation options in The 30 Best Accommodations in Niue, while the most luxurious options are listed in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Niue.

The Resort

By far Niue’s largest accommodation, the Scenic Matavai Resort is a four-star resort with a pool, restaurant and evening entertainment. The main resort has international hotel-standard rooms, while the Scenic Matavai Villas & Apartments offer self-catering facilities and its own pool. Note that the villas and apartments are approximately a kilometre away from the main resort. Find out more about the resort in the 10 Best Hotels & Resorts in Niue.

Cottage Complexes / Motels

Accommodations like Namukulu Cottages, Taloa Heights and Breeze offer a handful of self-contained cottages surrounding communal facilities, such as a swimming pool or whale lookout. Check out our descriptions of Niue’s cottage complexes and motels in How to Pick the Best Villa in Niue for You, as well as the 5 Best Motels in Niue and the 5 Fabulous Villas in Niue for Your Next Island Getaway.

Holiday Homes

Niue has plenty of holiday homes allowing you to experience your own quiet corner of the island. Holiday homes range from one bedroom to four/five bedrooms so there’s a private place to stay for most group sizes. Find out more in How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Niue for You, while the top options are listed in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Niue.

(c) BAND - Niue Tourism

Luxury Tours and Activities in Niue

Forget lavish scenic flights, sailing with canapés and massages in private bungalows (Ok, the last one does exist, which we mention in the 10 Luxury Activities in Niue). The point is, Niue offers more down-to-earth experiences where luxury is found in the quality of the clear waters, the abundance of marine life and highly-revered nature and culture tours.

Luxury Experiences in Niue

• Indulge in a tropical massage
• Try your luck on a fishing charter
• Dive in the clearest waters on a scuba diving trip
• Get acquainted with the island on an orientation tour
• Treat yourself to fresh seafood dishes at the local restaurants
• Experience a close whale or dolphin encounter
• Browse gorgeous ebony carvings and take a tour to see how they are made
• Shop for unique art and souvenirs
• Play golf on Niue’s very own golf course
• Enjoy some sundowners at one of the bars.

For more details on each experience, see the 10 Luxury Activities in Niue. Otherwise, get an overview of the highlights below…

Fishing Charters in Niue

Fishing is an integral part of village life in Niue, but instead of heading out on a traditional vaka (canoe) with a fishing net or line, you’ll be kitted out with the latest gear on a purpose-built fishing vessel. Hire out a fishing charter for the morning, or the whole day if you’re eager, to try your chances at catching the likes of mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, skipjack, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, giant trevally and more! There’s a wide range of charters to choose from, so compare your options in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue and plan your entire fishing experience using The Guide to Fishing in Niue.

Ebony Carving Tours

There are many fantastic culture and nature tours in Niue, but one that stands out for its incredible ebony art is the Ebony Carving Tours. Join local craftsman, Jack Feleti, for a tour through Niue’s stunning tropical rainforest to see where ebony wood has grown for centuries. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to admire some gorgeous ebony sculptures and pendants. Pick-ups are available from the Tourist Information Centre and the Scenic Matavai Resort. See more experiences like this in The Best Guided Tours in Niue.

Scuba Diving in Niue

See what it’s like to scuba dive in up to 80m visibility, dive through chasms, caves and see astonishing marine life on one of the scuba diving tours in Niue. Both Niue Blue and Magical Niue Sea Adventures are PADI-accredited dive operators offering a range of dive tours and courses. Compare your options and more in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue.

(c) niuepocketguide.com

Luxury Dining in Niue

Niue might be a remote rock in the South Pacific, but it still manages to offer surprising and delectable cuisine. Being an island nation, fresh fish is always fantastic here, while anything with coconut or taro is sure to delight the senses!

The Best Restaurants in Niue

A must-eat is the Kaiika Restaurant in Alofi. With a Tokyo sushi chef combined with Pacific fish, the Japanese cuisine is to die for. They also serve up premium ice creams.

For photo-worthy plates, head to the Dolphin Restaurant of the Scenic Matavai Resort, whose a la carte menu features succulent steaks, fresh catch of the day and more. Dessert is typically an affair of colourful plates of fruity treats, indulgent chocolate fondants and more.

Most visitors to Niue have time to sample all of the restaurants in Niue, so see what else you are in for in The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Niue. Plus, learn about self-catering and Niuean cuisine in The Guide to Food in Niue.